VISAKHAPATNAM — Deep beneath coastal hills, Visakhapatnam houses one of India’s most vital energy assets—a fully integrated supply chain linking deep-sea crude imports, underground strategic reserves, refining, and nationwide pipelines.

At its core is a 1.33 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) underground hard-rock cavern storage. It includes a 1.03 MMT Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to safeguard national energy security during global supply disruptions, alongside 0.30 MMT allocated for HPCL's operational needs.

Capacity Expansion & High-Value Yields

HPCL’s Visakh Refinery has evolved dramatically from its 1957 capacity of 0.675 MTPA. Following the Visakh Refinery Modernization Project (VRMP), its installed capacity reached 15 MTPA, processing an all-time record 16.04 MMT of crude in FY 2025–26.

With its 3.55 MTPA Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) using LC-Max technology, the refinery converts 93% of heavy bottom residues into high-value fuels like diesel, raising its Nelson Complexity Index to 11.6. Operations are monitored 24/7 by an AI-driven operating system to ensure high safety and efficiency.

Nationwide Distribution

Refined products are transported across India via the 572-km Visakh-Vijayawada-Secunderabad Pipeline (VVSPL) and the proposed 540-km Visakh-Raipur Pipeline, ensuring a continuous supply of vital fuels.